The Hoppin' Good Guide to Disney Springs

Disney Springs has recently expanded into Orlando's hottest shopping and dining destination. It went from being somewhere we'd hop to occasionally if we had a little downtime in the schedule or if we wanted a night out for fun dining, to a place we dedicate a full day to every trip. Disney Springs is awesome because it has the perfect balance of tourist guilty pleasures, including plenty of Mickey gear, PLUS world-class retail stores and experiential dining experiences. There's always something new to do or taste, no matter what your mood!

As your resident shopping and dining expert, I'm here to walk you through the ins and outs of Disney Springs. I've highlighted some of our personal frog family favorite places, as well, to help get you familiar. With this inside guide, you'll be well on your way to planning the perfect Disney Springs visit for your squad.

Disney Springs Overview

Disney Springs (previously 1975's Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, 1977's Walt Disney World Village, 1989's Disney Village Marketplace and 1997's Downtown Disney) has evolved into an unbelievable shopping, dining and entertainment destination. With its transformation from Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, it almost doubled in size and fun! With more of a variety between vacation souvenirs and everyday shopping, Disney Springs has become the place to be for tourists and locals alike. The area is divided into four sections: The Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center and West Side.

Disney Springs is located between Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, just along Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830. The area is open daily from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., with some hours varying depending on the store or restaurant.

The theming of Disney Springs is based off the popular trend of repurposing. The story is that Disney Springs is a former town, home to industrial sites, a marina and more, that is being refurbished to host an endless array of vendors. You'll catch thematic notes and architectural detail throughout, like Disney Springs Bottling Co. being transformed into Morimoto Asia, or former electricity plant-turned-restaurant The Edison. Keep an eye out for subtle hints regarding the past "purpose" of each building.

Disney Springs Parking and Transportation

One of the best perks of Disney Springs is that parking is free! Right now, there are two Disney Springs parking garages to choose from. The Lime Garage is on the edge of Disney property, close to many offsite hotels just past Disney Springs. If you're coming from somewhere within the Walt Disney World Resort, you'll likely find yourself headed towards the Orange Garage. A third Disney Springs parking garage (our bet is that it'll be named Lemon or Grapefruit) is currently being built as well.

The Lime Garage is in the heart of new-era Disney Springs, but closer toward many of the Downtown Disney classics: World of Disney, Ghirardelli, Rainforest Café, etc. The Orange Garage is your go-to spot if you're headed to AMC, Planet Hollywood, House of Blues or Splitsville. Leap loves how these garages have signs telling you on what levels spots are available, and even lights above each spot signaling its availability ... a huge time-saver!

If you're taking advantage of Disney's free bus transportation, you can get to Disney Springs from any Disney resort hotel or park. The bus will drop you off and pick you up right at the center of Disney Springs.

You can also get to Disney Springs via Ferryboat from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort (both French Quarter and Riverside), Old Key West and Saratoga Springs.

Disney Springs Restaurants

Disney Springs has over 50 food destinations, from candy shops to walk-up windows to full-service restaurants, and everything in between. Snack your way through the walk-up windows, or enjoy a sit-down dinner. Your options in cuisine style and restaurant type are truly endless!

Ballin' on a Budget

Trying to cut back on meal spending for the day? There's no better spot than Disney Springs. From cost-friendly kiosks like The Daily Poutine, to hearty American Faire at D-Luxe Burger, there's always something new to try. Head towards gourmet fast casual faves like Sprinkles or Vivoli il Gelato for a scrumptious treat after dinner. These quick, easy options make it super convenient for everyone in your pack to have what they want. Call it a freestyle meal day!

Our Favorite: Blaze Pizza — Imagine Chipotle, but for pizzas. This build-your-own pizza heaven has fresh, gourmet ingredients that allow you to create your dream 'za. Load up on all of your favorite toppings (there's no limit!) and enjoy. The meal isn't complete without a fountain beverage, as Blaze is also well known for its craft sodas and delicious agua frescas. Note: Tad and Lily can easily share a pizza, so this is super budget-friendly for families.

Runner-Up: D-Luxe Burger — We come here for the burgers, and stay for the exceptional selection of dippin' sauces for our fries ... and maybe the boozy milkshakes. While the focus here is burgers, the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is my #1 pick. The mobile ordering makes this spot a breeze, and there are a couple of combo duo options that make it fairly easy on your wallet.

Moderate Budget

Disney Springs is a hidden gem for awesome, special sit-down meals in Disney World. Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' is a must-try for classic Southern favorites, and Frontera Cocina serves fresh Mexican dishes. Are you a sucker for Italian like me? Book a table at Maria & Enzo's. There's somewhere for every cuisine craving. Take a trip to Raglan Road for some Irish entertainment alongside your beer, fish and chips.

Raglan Road is home to many gluten-free options, including a specially-prepared Fish and Chips!

Our Favorite: The Edison — This '20s speakeasy-style restaurant is a hit on all fronts. We haven't had a meal here that we haven't loved (Gooey Grilled Cheese, anyone?) or a night we didn't enjoy! The kids enjoy interacting with Rory the inventor while sipping on their giant milkshake during our afternoon suppers, and Leap and I love coming later for an adults-only date night to enjoy The Edison's live evening entertainment (be sure to ask for a table on the second floor against the railing. You'll have a fantastic view of the show going on below)!

Runner-Up: Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' — Homestyle, farm-to-table comfort food with a unique flair worth trying. This is a great spot for grown-ups to try something new, and tadpoles to munch on classic dishes like filling mac 'n' cheese.

Treat Yo' Self Budget

Whether you want a formal family night out, or a date night with your fellow frog, Disney Springs is a great place for a little getaway. STK Orlando and The BOATHOUSE serve up respective gourmet specialties in beyond-cool settings, while Morimoto Asia is hands-down the best place to get your sushi fix.

Our Favorite: Paddlefish — There's no better place in Disney Springs for seafood than Paddlefish. The cocktails are incredible, and the cornbread is my greatest weakness! Choose from a wide variety of choices for your ideal under-the-sea feast, and be sure to start with table-side lobster guacamole. YUM.

Runner-Up: The BOATHOUSE — Where there's fine dining at Disney Springs, there is amazing seafood. The BOATHOUSE's Baked Lobster Macaroni & Cheese is a highlight for us, and the whole family is a fan of the Pimento cheese appetizer.

YUM.

Disney Springs Shopping

From Artisan soap shops such as Basin and Kiehl's, to huge name-brand stores such as Under Armour and UGG, Disney Springs truly has a wide range in offerings. Forgot your waterproof mascara before hitting Disney's Blizzard Beach? Stop by Sephora or MAC. Need some new cargo shorts to stash your snacks? Visit Columbia or VOLCOM. Whether you're looking for staple pieces or statement pieces, UNIQLO is stocked for the whole frog squad.

Our Favorites: World of Disney is inarguably a must-do for everyone in our frog family. Disney's largest souvenir store has something for the whole family, with much of the same merchandise you see in the parks, and more! Another shop we visit every trip is Disney's Days of Christmas, where we grab our annual personalized ornament to take home.

For Kids

Disney Springs is the perfect place for your kiddos to choose what to spend that souvenir allowance on. They can Build-a-Dino at T-REX, or pick out their new best pal at Once Upon a Toy. The Star Wars Galactic Outpost will be home base for your little Jedis, and be sure to visit Disney's Pin Traders for the latest and greatest for your lanyard. There are plenty of places to keep your tadpoles busy all day.

Our Favorite: The LEGO Store — this creative-at-heart's dream come true will send you straight to toy heaven. Purchase incredible LEGO kits or your personal selection of pieces. Watch your tadpoles build their own adventures inspired by the gigantic Disney-themed LEGO models outside. I can't even get Leap out of the store without buying a new model!

For Adults

Leap doesn't have hops, as one would expect a frog to, but he does have a love for basketball! He was thrilled when Michael Jordan's son opened a store in Disney Springs full of Jordan family memorabilia and athletic-style swag. Art of Shaving, Sosa Family Cigars and Pelé Soccer are some other unique, niché shops that Leap is always hoppy to visit.

I could spend two solid days shopping at Disney Springs! It's a one-stop-shop for all of my trendy favorites: kate spade ny, Vera Bradley, Free People, Coach, Lilly Pullitzer and everything my little frogette heart desires! ALEX AND ANI and Pandora are two of my essential jewelry destinations, and Sanuk and Havaianas are my favorite sources for the perfect vacation shoes. Don't forget to grab a Disney World-exclusive Pandora charm to commemorate your trip!

Our Favorite: Marketplace Co-Op — Our newest fave is Marketplace Co-Op, where you'll find a variety of art, clothing and home goods with a unique flair from a variety of collections. Here is where you'll find those gorgeous vintage-style Disney dresses, original Disney artwork and so much more. We love shopping here for items to commemorate our vacations.

Disney Springs Activities and Entertainment

Bowling

Splitsville is a rad destination for both kids and adults. This two-story bowling alley and restaurant serves up good times and great food. With a huge, diverse menu selection that has yet to disappoint us, and a family-fave activity to enjoy in a cool setting, Splitsville is the perfect spot for a family night out.

Movies

For a rainy day at Disney, nothing is better than stocking up on popcorn and candy in front of that movie you've been dying to see. For an extra special night, choose the Dine-In option. Your tadpoles will love the experience of eating a full-service dinner at the movies ... and it's not a bad way for mom and dad to relax, either.

Virtual Reality

In Disney Springs Marketplace, visit The Void for Star Wars™: Secrets of the Empire Virtual Reality Experience. Go on a Rebellion mission as a team of four in a galaxy far, far away. We've heard great things about this immersion into the Star Wars universe, and movie-obsessed Tad can't wait to try it! You can now also hop on the chance to join Ralph and Vanellope to Break the Internet ... perfect for the whole family.

Yes, seriously! Disney Springs has its very own location in Disney Springs. It's actually much more spacious with fun, modern touches, and tends to be easier to get a reservation.

Carousel & Train

Lily loves to hop on the Marketplace Carousel and Marketplace Train Express to get rid of her parks craving! These miniature rides are available at an additional cost.

Live Performances

There is always something hoppening at Disney Springs. Find family-friendly rappers Free Daps freestyling hilarious flows for the whole family on most evenings. Catch the moving statues that will wow your tadpoles in front of Amorette's Patisserie intermittently. Throughout most days, dance and choir groups from across the world can be seen performing on the Marketplace Stage outside of Ghirardelli (the perfect spot to grab a sundae and enjoy the sights)! Of course, House of Blues and the soon-to-return Cirque du Soleil are major entertainment venues with unbelievable shows.

Our Favorites: Have you ever seen a giant, blue balloon floating high over Disney Springs? Did you know that you can fly in one of those? Visit Aerophile for a balloon flight experience like no other across Disney Springs. How about taking your car for a spin ... in the water? Your tadpoles will go crazy for Vintage Amphicar & Italian Water Taxi Tours when they see a vintage car drive into the water and across the lagoon.

Other Fun

Amorette's Patisserie offers delightful character dome cakes (modeled after the Fab 5). These can be preordered, making them perfect for in-room celebrations. Amorette's also offers cake decorating experiences! During a 90-minute class, you'll get to create your own dome cake to take with you, with tips and tricks from the pastry artists themselves. In addition to your masterpiece, attendants also receive non-alcoholic and alcoholic refreshments and a special gift.

There's always something to take in at Disney Springs. At the Candy Cauldron, you can watch those signature caramel apples being made (and grab one to take home)! Hop over to Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar to check out the ambiance and thematic details (and Easter eggs), or enjoy an afternoon snack on the water.

Pop-ups aren't just for shopping. A new pop-up for Kingdom Hearts, featuring a playable demo of the upcoming release KINGDOM HEARTS III, as well as a special Keyblade exhibit and artwork from the game, will enthrall gamer frogs like Tad.

Coming Soon

Replacing futuristic family fun center Disney Quest, The NBA Experience is coming soon to Disney Springs to spoil all of your sports-loving crew. City Works Eatery & Pour House, Jaleo and Pepe will head to the West Side in 2019.

Disney Springs Tips

Here are a few of our favorite tips, but we've got a whole other post devoted to our Disney Springs hacks!

Spend the last evening of your trip at Disney Springs. This has become a Frog Family tradition! We like to sit down for a yummy, low-key meal and reflect on the highlights of the trip. It allows us to take a moment to soak in our vacation memories before returning to the real world.

Set an allowance. Yes, for yourself and your tadpoles! Allow your little ones the freedom of choosing how to spend their allotted amount. Shop around the toy stores and let them make their pick! As for you mama and papa frogs, don't let shopper's guilt ruin your vacation. Set your price limit for more conscious spending.

Book dining reservations online, through the MyDisneyExperience app, via phone or Open Table. Just because these restaurants aren't in the parks doesn't mean that they don't book up or gain serious wait times. Some of the uber popular places such as Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' and Morimoto Asia are near impossible to walk in for dining.

Don't plan too much. I know this is contradictory to my overall mission to plan the perfect trip, but we promise you'll be better off winging it here. Aside from dining reservations, allow yourself the luxury of shopping and snacking on a whim, and seeing where your tadpoles' interests lie.

Use your discounts. If you're visiting Disney World with a vacation package, utilize your coupon book for special deals at select locations. Passholders: Don't be afraid to ask for a discount wherever you go! You'll be surprised by how many stores and restaurants at Disney Springs offer a Passholder discount.

Are you ready to book your hotel just to come visit Disney Springs? We don't blame you! We toadally endorse spending a day shopping and feasting at Disney Springs ... those are two of our favorite activities, after all, and you know Disney offers the best selection! Do you have any tips or must-do experiences at Disney Springs? Share in the comments!

Oh my gosh, Laverne, you have so many great options (and Mommy Frog is right there with you!) We LOVE the DJ at STK Orlando, who plays some old school hip hop remixes (though it depends on the night as to whether or not folks are dancing along). The Edison has dancing in between their live entertainment (be sure to sit downstairs for easy access to the dance floor!) Paradiso 37 has live music, DJs and dancing, as well (and is probably your best bet). Any other suggestions, Frog Pond?

I'm attending a trade show nearby and want to head to Disney Springs before my flight home. So I don't have to go back to hotel, is there any place in Disney Springs to store my luggage? Lockers? Thanks!

So other than just shopping, eating and bowling what is there that's actually fun to do? I'm devastated Disney Quest is gone. I loved the design your own roller coaster and the astrol blast. Couldn't care less about NBA why didn't they reinvest into more arcade stuff or refurbish Disney Quest or add things like Laser Tag. Why spend all this money to cater to only those interested in NBA? They could have done something where more people would be interested other than just NBA fans. Sadly I doubt we will even bother with Disney Springs now, it sounds more like an outdoor mall and less convenient than the ones near me.

I just visited Disney Springs for the first time. In their quest for profits, Disney has done away with all the charm of Downtown Disney, and turned it into a generic mall you can find in Anytown, USA. I want stores and merchandise that are unique to Disney. Not Zara and UnderArmour. What were they thinking? It's just sad. This wasn't the experience I wanted and expected, and I won't be returning.

PS: don't even get me started on Starbucks in the parks... what's next? Dunkin Donuts?

Thanks for this comment! We are going in January to Orlando and I wanted to stop into Downtown Disney so the kids can get a little of Disneyworld without going to the parks.....I am so disappointed! Downtown Disney was one of my favorite places! Thank you.....that saved me time driving down there!!

I am going begining of april, I was wondering if you can park closer to the disney store at disney springs, wen't last year around same time and it was a pain to walk from the parking lot by planet hollywood aaaalll the way through... anybody knows?

It used to be that you could do this, but now you will not be able to. The parking towers would be your closest option, although you could park on the far end of La Nouba and take the boat to the Westside.

The only disappointment was The Gnachery. A chocolate shop that is so small, they have a constant line with a gatekeeper. An occasional sampling is brought to waiting buyers. Small selection of candy bars and small squares of chocolate. Highly priced. If you expect amazing gifts or souvenirs, this isn't the place. It's overhyped. Very expensive. They want 27 dollars for 12 small chocolate squares. Never again!

We're going again this year. Looking forward to seeing the new attractions. Glad they finally got rid of that Adventurers Club. Boring place. New restaurants are what they needed there instead. We'll likely check out everything but won't spend a dime we don't have to, especially if you can get it online for less. Upscale retail is the direction everyone is heading now. All looking for the same handful of folks with fat wallets. Ha! Good luck with that Disney Inc.

Disney Springs is wonderful. People all around seem to like the new look. For a long time Disney tourist like me I know the project will be completed and will settle into a great experience. The waiting for it all to be completed is hardest when you really love time in the resort as much as I do and want to see it all opened. I will continue to support Disney in the Springs and bring the kids to shop often.

We just got back from DS and did not buy a single thing. The place is just a big overpriced shopping mall now, over crowded, and missing the Disney experience we grew to love over the last 15 years. Sadly to say we will probably never go back - glad my kids got to experience the Disney magic before it died. We also did the Universal Studios Fright Night - well this will be the last trip to Orlando for a very long time. Sad to see things change for the worse.

Two things that used to appeal to me about the "Disney Shopping Village" (later "Marketplace") back in the 70s and 80s were: 1) No admission charge (at least that's not changing), and 2) Way less crowded than the Parks. It was very easy to find a parking spot, even on Friday and Saturday evenings, We usually avoided buying merchandise at the Parks but on the last day of our trip, before heading to the airport, we'd spend a few hours at the Marketplace, filling our carry-ons with merchandise and having a nice relaxing meal. Then the West End and Pleasure Island came in, and it quickly became pointless to go there on a Friday or Saturday evening, and eventually it became packed every day of the week. So much for finding a close-up parking spot. So much for being able to walk around without veering around baby strollers and bumping into crowds of people. I'll visit Disney Springs, but I'm skeptical that it will be anything close to relaxing. I'm older now (it will happen to you too!), and I'm sure many people my age miss the peaceful Disney Marketplace that I recall. May I suggest that Disney pay some attention to us Baby Boomers and provide a shopping/dining area that isn't geared toward the prime buying demographic? Us older folks still have money, and we still enjoy spending it. And by the way, many of us have kids and grandkids that we like to bring to WDW, often at our expense.

My first visit in 3 years in December 2015 after many, many visits previously. Very shocked to read about this, they say "change is good" , but only if you are going to ask someone other than the financial planners what we 'really' want. To me DTD started to go 'downhill' when they stopped the 'live' Nativity', that to me was always a Christmas 'must', will it be the Processional at Epcot next, I wonder?

Being a senior now, Boutique and other upscale stores are really not my thing, nor can I imagine it being on the list of must do's for children and probably even teenagers. In the UK I shop mainly at QVC online as this has most of the US items I like, and at a third or less of the price of the Malls, and now Disney.

Very sad, as this was to be probably my last trip to Florida to not have the opportunity to see DTD again - sigh!!!!

Yes it needed a facelift at Downtown Disney, but not loads more retail. What's wrong with a venue with something for adults as well as kids. Bring back The Adventurers club and a Comedy Club, isn't that what Disney is supposed to be about! All the family loved it, my 24 year old daughter went to the last night of Adventurers and was so sad to see it go. We don't all want to shop all the time!

Can you say "just another strip mall for locals"? Whatever happened to the immersive Disney experience? The old stand-bys of yesteryear were awesome - the Comedy Club, 8-Trax, and, of course, the Adventurer's Club were the heart and soul of DTD....what a shame, that it's all about the bottom line Disney. You blew it BIG TIME.....

Hey everyone, I'm super excited about Disney Springs. I'm a Floridian from Kissimmee and grew up with the Disney parks. I remember when Downtown Disney was actually called Lake Buena Vista and had the Empress Lily steam boat. Change is good! Disney is keeping it family friendly by getting rid of pleasure island night clubs. I will certainly check out this expansion and hope they will have more art festivals again.

Hi! My family have been regular visitors for past 7 yrs. I think Disney Springs is losing its " magical" feeling with all these new shops that has nothing to do with Disney. I only shop at Disney stores so super excited about bigger World of Disney store.

I agree with previous comment that Disney should invest more money to ADD NEW rides or update current ones. It would be nice to change show in mickey's PhilharMgaic. That type of attraction should be changed every 5 yrs or add second show. It would also be really great if more restaurants opened up in Magic Kingdom rather than Disney Springs. We hate the dining choices at Magic.

Just back from Orlando and have to say that Disney is pricing themselves out of their market. After 11 years we did not pay the extortionate prices as the family have lost interest due to the over commercialisation. This may become a long term issue for Disney as they will have their own families and may look elsewhere to holiday. In addition, Disney has completely forgotten that their older guests need to rest occasionally, preferably somewhere cool, and if they can't they'll go elsewhere taking family with them. One suggestion that many would love is a place to relax and get a foot bath to revive those aching feet! Over to you Disney......

We just made our last visit to Disney Quest. You can tell that Disney is just waiting for this to die. Lots of things were broken or had already been taken down. We are not shoppers. Having spent $7,000 on a vacation we have a limited souvenir budget ($75 per person). We will never visit Disney Springs. This was just another nail in the coffin of our dying Disney dreams. I wish they would put as much money into updating dated attractions like Stitch or even Country Bears as they do into expanding shopping outlets . in fact, given the escalating Disney Prices after 15 years of annual WDW trips we've decided to go to Universal next year.

I visit Disney 2x a year, we generally eat at one signature restaurant per visit . Other than that i stick with Ragland road, Paradiso , house of blues. I would be nice to bring back the AdventurersClub!!!! or something like that. The only saving grace is they haven't ruined the Golf yet. We avoid the parks and just enjoy the resort and use the kitchen facilities more. I think if more people do this disney would rethink there plans. there comes a point when it becomes unaffordable and alternatives like all-inclusiver resorts and cruises not disney become more favorable. Also Renting a car is now becoming more favorable.

We visit Disney almost every year. We drop a boatload of money for our vacation and the last thing I want to do is head to Disney Springs to drop a boatload more. I miss the Adventurers Club which was a favorite and the high end shops will not be visited by us. Seems as if the new concept has gone away from the "Disney Magic" we have come to know and love. Very sad indeed.

So Pleasure Island 2.duh will be offering retail items that can be purchased online for 50% less? Disney must have these merchants in a horrific termed lease. From visitors comments and looking at my thoughts many will not be spending any large amounts of money for sandals we can buy on amazon at a huge discount. Disney Springs will be a joke for retail. Maybe their view is that many customers do not have the transportation to leave the property to go buy t shirts, shoes, etc that they may need on their vacation. But I can tell you this, the decimation of pleasure island has placed a void in my Disney experience. Have fun all day at the parks. Rest. Eat Dinner. Go out and live a little. Take in a comedy show, take in an interactive performance that sets you in a world where there is more to explore even at the expense of ineptitude. Enjoy a club where you dance like you haven't in years, decades. All gone. Why? Lack of security? Losing market share? Profit margins not reaching goals? These can be fixed. Does a couple want to schlep out to a glorified outlet and overspend or would they rather enjoy evening entertainment? I went many times as a twenty something. Made friends with CM. Made friends with other tourists. What does this equal????? Memories. memories,, memories. Will the same experience hold water when I spend $80 for a pair of sanuks? OF COURSE NOT.

Last week, I was told by a Disney employee that the Adventurers Club is still very much intact and does open once a year for a special private event. He also said it is very likely to reopen in the not too distant future.

STK is not going in the old Adventurer's Club location, but where the Comedy Warehouse and 8Trax used to be. The Adventurers Club frame is going to be the Edison, an "industrial gothic" restaurant and nightclub.

We are Disney regulars.. and been to Downtown Disney a few times as this transformation takes place. However, "downtown" Disney is rarely on our agenda any more... too many stores of overprice items, and many restaurants of expensive mediocre food.... Give me the days of the "Disney Village Marketplace" Pleasure Island... 8TRAX, Adventurers Club, Rock and Roll Beach Club, West End Stage.. and we will celebrate "New Years" over and over again.. Now for fun... its Citiwalk.... To bad Disney, in your search for the perfect "family" vacation, you forgot about the adults that pay for everything, and giving them an opportunity to have some fun too...

We've been coming to Disneyworld for forty years. Downtown Disney was always a nice escape from the crowds at the parks. Oftentimes, you could pull-up and park adjacent tithe World of Disney, stroll through the stores and shops that were unique to Disney or, at least, Disney themed. Now in our 60's we find that with the new Disney Springs,parking is no longer convenient and the new stores and restaurants are not only very pricey but are far

removed from the traditional Disney experience that we have enjoyed for so any years. Apparently the Disney Company is now more interested in attracting the high end consumer and has forgot about the goal of its founder, making it a place for all to enjoy. Sad!

Have to agree with John. Love to shop at Downtown Disney but will probably never buy anything in most of these new stores.We can do that kind of shopping at home. A larger World of Disney sounds great! We want to buy things that remind us of our special time at Disney...not ordinary upscale merchandise we can purchase at any mall in the U.S. And BRING BACK THE ADVENTURERS CLUB!!! It was unique and always crowded with adults of all ages. Every year we looked forward to that as much as our time at the parks. KONGALOOSH!

First thoughts on this. Been to Disney a lot and always have had a wonderful experience. So I'm ready for anything they throw at me. However, these new shops and restaurants have big prices and boutique written all over them.The Art of Shaving ,a sandal shop and an earbuds store- really? The Adventurers Club and The Comedy Warehouse are calling all Imagineers.

I hope they do something with Captain Jack's. We ate there during our 2011 family vacation. The food was outstanding (as was everywhere we ate that week) but service was horrible! We waited more than an hour past our reservation time to be seated and got one beverage refill the whole time we were there. We were extremely disappointed.

Adventurer's Club!!! And Dancing!!! My husband and I went for our 15th anniversary, and had a fantastic time in Downtown Disneyworld. There should be a few areas (besides restaurants!) where adults can be romantic/have fun with each other. We were disappointed that they did away with both the Adventurer's Club and dancing. While we love the parks, there are not too many places where old fogies like ourselves can go club dancing to early 80's music - if Disneyworld is about the kid in us, bring back those two!

Disney can't take advantage of Marvel in Florida. When Universal & Marvel were both subsidiaries of MCA they signed a contract giving Universal the sole right to Marvel images for themepark attractions east of the Mississippi as long as Marvel Island was in exiseistance at IOA.

If Disney wanted to use the likeness of the characters they own inside any of their themeparks they would have to get permission from Universal and pay Universal a royalty fee.

I have to echo Clint's comment: Bring back The Adventurers Club...! Closing that place was one of the worst decisions to come out of Corporate Disney. While it is true that many of the PI night spots had moderate attendance, the Adventurers Club was constantly busy and had such incredible appeal it was a "draw" to the area all by itself.

An 'expanded' World of Disney Store! Wow - I can't wait to see it. 2016 is about when we plan to return to WDW so we'll keep an eye out as you report additional details on the expansion as the years pass.

I also have great memories of the Adventurers Club - that place was really great!

This sounds fantastic. My only concern is parking? There is hardly enough parking as it is. Wonder what their plan for that is? Is PI going to be taken out and become part of this Disney Springs? So many questions! Cant wait for the answers and more artist renditions!

Just got back from Disney yesterday and they already have one of the parking garage open. It is an "intelligent" garage. Each parking spot has an "eye" in the ceiling which then communicates with the enterance how many parking spots are available on each level. Even better is when you are in the garage there is a digital display on each parking row indicating how many spots are open in that row.

We have those so-called 'smart lots' here where I live. They don't work - half the time, vacant spaces are red and filled ones are green. They aren't very dependable, especially when you have someone right behind you and, what appears to be an open space, turns out not the case....an accident just waiting to happen.

Checked out Disney Springs and much prefer the old version. Less chaos and congestion with the old downtown disney. It had its own quirky charm I suppose. hated when they close the cigar bar there, 'casa del fuego' or something was the name. My wife and I live in Orlando and rarely visit themeparks. The only park we really like is Epcot. We've thought about the yearly residents pass for that one.

Was there the evening of 10/1. Parking in the new garages was a train-wreck. Chaos. The had legions of attendants and security dweebs trying to sort things out, but they only made things worse. I will still park in the back lot, hopefully that will remain open. (The lot behind House of Blues and Cirque)